What minimum altitude is required to reach high key position at an outlying field 10 miles away with field elevation 100 feet?

To determine the minimum altitude required to reach the high key position at an outlying field, you must consider the field elevation and the required altitude to ensure safe vertical separation above the surrounding terrain, particularly when approaching from a distance.

In this case, the outlying field has an elevation of 100 feet. The high key position is typically established at a standard altitude above the field elevation to allow for sufficient maneuvering space and safety margin. The calculation generally includes the field elevation and added altitude to account for safe horizontal and vertical clearance while also considering the distance from which the approach is being made.

For a field elevation of 100 feet, a common practice is to establish a high key position at approximately 1000 feet above the field elevation, leading to an altitude of 1100 feet MSL (Mean Sea Level) at the high key. However, in the context of a 10-mile approach, additional altitude is typically required to maintain safety and allow for appropriate descent rates and maneuvering—this could often require doubling that altitude or more for safety.

Therefore, considering the 10-mile distance and adding altitude to achieve a safe approach path results in a requirement of roughly 8100 feet MSL. This altitude ensures that the aircraft has adequate clearance